On the morning of October 8 in Da Nang, VINANST-16 officially opened, bringing together scientists, policymakers, researchers, and students in the nuclear energy field.

This event is especially significant as Vietnam accelerates energy transition, pursues green growth, sustainable development, and aims to ensure national energy security.

Building internal capacity and mastering nuclear technology

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh emphasized that VINANST-16 directly implements the directive of General Secretary To Lam during a working session with the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) on September 4, 2025.

According to Notice No. 321-TB/VPTW by the Office of the Party Central Committee, Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector must develop sustainably and cautiously, with a firm principle: safety must never be compromised for speed or scale.

The strategic direction includes fostering a culture of safety, building domestic capacity, mastering nuclear technologies, investing in scientific research, improving infrastructure, and developing high-quality human resources.

This is also an essential step for Vietnam to gradually establish the scientific and technological foundation for a future nuclear power program.

Deputy Minister Dinh affirmed that the conference is a key opportunity to enhance international cooperation and knowledge sharing between research institutions, universities, global organizations, and enterprises.

The presence of international entities such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the RCA Office demonstrates deep collaborative spirit and helps elevate Vietnam’s capabilities in nuclear science and technology.

Over the past 40 years, nuclear energy in Vietnam has proven its value through basic research and applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, radiation safety, environmental monitoring, and workforce training.

These achievements have contributed significantly to socioeconomic development, public health protection, and energy security.

Notably, on February 5, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 245/QD-TTg approving the National Plan for the Development and Application of Nuclear Energy to 2030 with a vision to 2045.

This serves as a guiding document for research, infrastructure development, workforce training, and international cooperation, aiming to expand nuclear technology applications across sectors.

Additionally, the revised Nuclear Energy Law, effective from January 1, 2026, introduces groundbreaking updates, such as empowering local authorities in radiation safety management, expanding investment incentives, and supporting research and innovation.

Vietnam’s legal framework for nuclear incident response has also been refined to meet international standards, providing a robust legal foundation for long-term development of the sector.

Promoting nuclear energy for sustainable development

Speaking at the event, Pham Duc An, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, noted that the city currently hosts over 500 radiation facilities, especially in healthcare, featuring advanced techniques in nuclear medicine, oncology, and radiotherapy.

Nuclear energy is also used in security screening, industrial irradiation, and food preservation - important contributors to the city’s socioeconomic development.

Da Nang also prioritizes radiation safety management, having established a nuclear incident response committee and organized annual drills. These efforts enhance cross-sector coordination and raise public awareness about nuclear safety.

The city hopes to continue receiving support from ministries, international organizations, and experts to build domestic capacity and apply nuclear technology effectively in environmental protection, healthcare, and economic growth.

VINANST-16 serves as a hub for scientists to exchange and discuss the latest research results, while proposing solutions to improve nuclear energy applications in daily life.

The conference features over 200 scientific reports across disciplines, from basic research and technology development to practical applications and safety management.

This body of work forms a vital scientific foundation for policymakers as they shape the future direction of Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector.

Chairman Pham Duc An expressed confidence that with the support of the Party and State, close cooperation among ministries, localities, enterprises, and the scientific community, Vietnam’s nuclear energy industry will continue to grow in a modern, safe, and sustainable manner.

Defining the future of nuclear energy in Vietnam

VINANST-16 is more than just a scientific forum - it is a strategic milestone as Vietnam positions itself for a new phase of nuclear energy development.

With active participation from international scientists and global institutions like the IAEA, Vietnam has greater access to cutting-edge technology and improved research and governance capacity.

Despite achievements, the nuclear energy sector faces challenges such as limited human resources, infrastructure constraints, and increasingly stringent radiation safety standards.

However, with the recent policy framework - especially the National Development Plan to 2030 and the revised Nuclear Energy Law - Vietnam now has a clear legal corridor and strategic direction for the sector's advancement.

Held biennially, VINANST-16 reflects the nuclear sector’s unwavering commitment to research, application, and global integration.

It also offers young researchers a valuable platform to gain knowledge, build experience, and affirm Vietnam’s pioneering role in peaceful nuclear technology for economic development, public health, and green growth.

Thai Khang